The Sources de l’Huveaune circular walk in Nans-les-Pins

See the help section on visibility and statuses.

This walk will take you from the charming narrow streets of Nans-les-Pins to the headwaters of the Huveaune. Situated in the heart of the Sainte-Baume Biological Reserve, this site is extremely fragile! As it often dries up in summer, it is advisable to visit in spring or autumn. Setting off from the village, head towards the Castelette valley. Listen carefully and let the sound of the Huveaune guide you to the turquoise pools for which it is famous. Situated in the heart of the Sainte-Baume Biological Reserve, this magical site is extremely fragile! The footbridges and viewing points allow you to admire the river whilst helping to protect it. Information boards provide insights into the river, its geology and biodiversity.

Details

n°101161838
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
–
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.11 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 597 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 571 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,562 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,289 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

The route is signposted with ‘Sources de l’Huveaune’ signs from the car park to the entrance to the Biological Reserve. The return route is not signposted: please download the walk route in advance as there is no mobile phone signal on site.

The walk starts at the Marie-Magdelaine Boyer – Sources de l’Huveaune car park , opposite the Lei Esteleto nursery: signposts are in place at every entrance to the village.
The centre of Nans-les-Pins is accessible via the 92 Zou! express bus service between Aubagne and Brignoles: the “La Ferrage” stop is situated 150 metres from the start of the walk.

(S/E) Leave the car park to the right. As you approach the supermarket, go round it on the left. Cross at the marked pedestrian crossing to reach Place Victor Dedieu.

(1) Cross the road again to the left. Walk the entire length of Cours Général de Gaulle, passing the Tourist Office. At the end, turn left up Grand Rue to reach the Chapelle de la Miséricorde, passing the church on the way.

(2) Opposite the chapel, follow the Chemin de l’Orge to the left, passing an oratory and then the old, abandoned buildings of the sanatorium. At the junction, carry on straight ahead. Continue straight on until you reach the Orge, then carry on to Mandelieu. Head down the Chemin Rural des Rois to the left, which runs alongside the stables and leads to the Sermax factory.

(3) Turn right onto the tarmac road.

(4) At the junction, leave the Chemin Rural des Rois and continue to the right onto the main track (S35). Carry on along track S35 – Protection incendie de la Taurelle, ignoring any side tracks. You’ll reach a large clearing to the left of the track, upstream of fire hydrant no. 61.

(5) Cross the clearing diagonally to reach a path that leads into the woodland. Follow it to reach the entrance sign for the Sainte-Baume Biological Reserve. You are in a very fragile area. Please read and follow the instructions to ensure this site remains preserved.

(6) Leave the steps on your right and continue straight on along a path that runs along the river on a balcony-like ledge. Pass a first sign, “Vallon de Castelette”, then a second, “Les tufs calcaires”, before reaching the first viewpoint. Head back up to the main path via the steps.

(7) Cross the first footbridge, then head up to the left for a few dozen metres to catch a glimpse of the Huveaune’s resurgence.

(8) Head back down to the first footbridge.

(7) Leave this footbridge on your right and continue along the path, crossing a second footbridge which takes you to the other bank of the river. Head back down to the right to admire the river from the other side, passing a second viewpoint.

(8) At the third footbridge, carry on straight ahead, leaving it on your right, until you reach a wide track. Follow this track to the right until the next junction . Turn right onto the forest track to return to the clearing you crossed on the way out.

(5) Follow the outbound route in the opposite direction to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,289 ft - Sources de l’Huveaune car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.12 - alt. 1,293 ft - Place Dedieu
  3. 2 : mi 0.39 - alt. 1,352 ft - Chapelle de la Miséricorde
  4. 3 : mi 1.45 - alt. 1,371 ft - Sermax factory
  5. 4 : mi 1.67 - alt. 1,444 ft - Junction with the Chemin des Rois
  6. 5 : mi 2.14 - alt. 1,549 ft - Clearing – fire hydrant no. 61
  7. 6 : mi 2.33 - alt. 1,503 ft - Hiking
  8. 7 : mi 2.84 - alt. 1,532 ft - Second footbridge - Huveaune (fleuve)
  9. 8 : mi 3.32 - alt. 1,398 ft - Third footbridge - Huveaune (fleuve)
  10. S/E : mi 6.11 - alt. 1,289 ft - Sources de l’Huveaune car park

Notes

From June to September: access to woodland areas is regulated by the prefecture due to the risk of forest fires. Check the interactive map ( available every evening at 6 pm)

Remember to check the water level before setting off on your hike on the tourist office website

The town centre of Nans-les-Pins is accessible via the ‘92 Zou!’ express line between Aubagne and Brignoles (the ‘La Ferrage’ stop is situated 150 metres from the start of the walk).

Advice:

  • Strongly not recommended for people who have difficulty walking, those with reduced mobility and pushchairs (due to the distance, terrain and natural environment...).
  • Wear walking shoes.
  • Toilets opposite the car park at the start.
  • Water point in front of the fitness area.

Regulations for the Sources de l’Huveaune:
This natural site is highly sensitive and protected; a local by-law and its status as a biological reserve govern the area to ensure its preservation.

  • Dogs are not permitted, even on a lead.
  • Mountain bikes, horses and electric scooters are prohibited within the Biological Reserve.
  • Access to the water and swimming are prohibited.
  • It is forbidden to walk off the designated paths, particularly along the riverbanks.
  • Smoking and lighting fires are prohibited.
  • Picking plants is prohibited.
  • Wild camping and bivouacking are prohibited; a campsite is available at Nans-les-Pins.
  • Geocaching is prohibited.
  • Drones are prohibited.
    Please help to protect this area!
    The fine for breaching these prohibitions is that of afirst-class offence.

Worth a visit

Sources of the Huveaune

Other walks in the area

For more walks, use our search engine .

The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.